What To Know
- Are you tired of seeing a generic or confusing name for your Brother printer in your computer’s list of devices.
- A descriptive name helps you quickly identify your printer among a list of other devices.
- Before changing the name, make sure the new name you choose isn’t already in use by another device on your network.
Are you tired of seeing a generic or confusing name for your Brother printer in your computer’s list of devices? Do you want to give it a name that’s more descriptive and easily recognizable? Changing your Brother printer’s device name is a simple process that can make your printing experience much smoother. This guide will walk you through the steps, covering multiple methods for both Windows and macOS users.
Why Change Your Brother Printer Device Name?
There are several reasons why you might want to change your Brother printer‘s device name:
- Clarity: A descriptive name helps you quickly identify your printer among a list of other devices. For example, instead of “Brother DCP-L2550DW,” you could name it “Office Printer” or “Living Room Printer.”
- Organization: If you have multiple printers, changing their names can make it easier to manage and select the correct one for your printing needs.
- Troubleshooting: A unique name can help you distinguish your printer during troubleshooting, especially if you’re dealing with network issues or printer conflicts.
Changing Your Brother Printer Device Name in Windows
Method 1: Using the Control Panel
1. Open the Control Panel: Click the Windows Start button, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Devices and Printers: In the Control Panel, click on “Hardware and Sound,” then select “Devices and Printers.”
3. Right-click on your Brother printer: Find your Brother printer in the list and right-click on its icon.
4. Select “Printer Properties“: In the context menu, choose “Printer Properties.”
5. Go to the “General” tab: In the Printer Properties window, click the “General” tab.
6. Change the “Printer name” field: You will see a field labeled “Printer name.” Replace the existing name with your desired name.
7. Apply the changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the new name.
Method 2: Using the Settings App
1. Open the Settings app: Click the Windows Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Go to Bluetooth & devices: In the Settings app, click on “Bluetooth & devices.”
3. Select “Printers & scanners”: Click on the “Printers & scanners” option.
4. Click on your Brother printer: Find your Brother printer in the list and click on it.
5. Choose “Manage device settings“: Click on the “Manage device settings” option.
6. Change the “Device name” field: In the device settings window, you’ll find a field labeled “Device name.” Enter your desired name in this field.
7. Apply the changes: Click “Apply” to save the new name.
Changing Your Brother Printer Device Name in macOS
1. Open System Preferences: Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”
2. Select “Printers & Scanners”: Click on the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
3. Right-click on your Brother printer: Find your Brother printer in the list and right-click on its icon.
4. Choose “Rename”: In the context menu, select “Rename.”
5. Enter your desired name: Type in the new name you want to give your Brother printer.
6. Press “Return” or “Enter”: The name will be changed automatically.
Additional Tips for Changing Your Brother Printer Device Name
- Check for conflicts: Before changing the name, make sure the new name you choose isn’t already in use by another device on your network.
- Restart your computer: After changing the name, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect properly.
- Update your printer drivers: Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your Brother printer. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause issues with device naming.
- Check your router settings: If you’re using a network printer, you may need to adjust your router’s settings to reflect the new name.
Beyond the Name: Optimizing Your Brother Printer Experience
Changing the device name is just one step in optimizing your Brother printer experience. Here are some additional ways to enhance your printing journey:
- Update the firmware: Regularly updating your printer’s firmware can improve its performance, add new features, and fix bugs.
- Use genuine Brother supplies: Using genuine Brother ink cartridges and toner ensures optimal print quality and helps prevent printer issues.
- Maintain your printer: Regularly clean your printer’s rollers and paper tray to prevent jams and ensure smooth paper feeding.
- Utilize Brother’s software: Take advantage of Brother’s software offerings, such as iPrint&Scan, which allow you to print and scan wirelessly from your mobile devices.
A Farewell to Confusion: Embracing a Personalized Printing Journey
By changing your Brother printer‘s device name, you gain control over your printing environment. You can easily identify and select your printer, making your printing tasks more efficient and enjoyable. Remember to keep your printer updated, use genuine supplies, and practice basic maintenance to ensure a smooth and productive printing experience.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I change the name of my Brother printer through the printer’s control panel?
A: No, you cannot change the device name directly through the printer’s control panel. You need to make the changes from your computer’s operating system settings.
Q: What if I forget the new name I gave my Brother printer?
A: If you forget the new name, you can try the following:
- Check your computer’s device list or printer settings.
- Look for the printer’s label or documentation, which may have the new name.
- If you’re using a network printer, check your router’s settings for connected devices.
Q: Will changing the printer name affect my network connection?
A: Changing the device name should not affect your network connection unless you also change the printer’s IP address. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult your router’s documentation or contact your network administrator.
Q: Can I change the name of my Brother printer on a mobile device?
A: You can usually change the name of your Brother printer on a mobile device through the Brother iPrint&Scan app or a similar application.